Cincinnati Reds' Joey Votto may return next week – MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds’ All-Star first baseman Joey Votto is all set to begin rehabilitation assignment on Tuesday with Class A Dayton. Votto, who is out of line-up since July 16, had to undergo knee surgery on July 17 followed by a procedure on August 10.
Votto said, "I'm a little apprehensive, because I haven't played in such a long time. Once I get going, I will feel fine."
The team manager, on the other hand, said the team hopes Votto will be ready to play by next weekend. "We're hoping he will be ready some time next weekend, if everything goes well," Reds' manager Dusty Baker said.
It is worthwhile to recall that the Reds were expecting the first baseman to appear this month after the encouraging news of his recovery. But a minor complication in his left knee led to another procedure this month, delaying the return of the first baseman.
Votto, nonetheless, has hopes attached to the rehab games. "Just continue to progress I think," Votto said. "I'm sure that anything I'm uncomfortable with will stand out while I'm playing my rehab games, which is the best part about the rehab games."
Given the longest stretch of games that the Cincinnati Reds have had so far, 34 games in 34 days, the Reds certainly need Votto back in the line-up to revitalise the offence. The Reds losing the series against the St. Louis Cardinals is a reminder that they now desperately need a powerful offence.
This powerful offence can only come in force once the All-Star first baseman Votto returns. As the team manager said, there is likelihood of his return by next week. That will give the Reds an extra boost, allowing them enough space to manoeuvre.
As the Cincinnati Reds brace themselves for the end of the regular season and almost certain qualification for the playoffs, it will be interesting to see how they can handle the pressure. With the line-up they have, the Cincinnati Reds seem one of the favourite teams to possibly take the title this year.
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